Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew on busy days when I want something hearty and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and all day to develop its fantastic flavors, this stew is perfect for the whole family. The combination of sweet potatoes, vegetables, and spices creates a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a guilt-free indulgence any day of the week.

Created by

Harper Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:13:07.955Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of making a stew in the crockpot, I was skeptical about how well flavors would meld over several hours. To my pleasant surprise, this Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew turned out to be a miraculous blend of sweetness, warmth, and spice. The sweet potatoes not only offer a delicious taste but also a lovely texture that contrasts beautifully with the vegetables.

The magic of a crockpot is the way it transforms simple ingredients into a robust dish without much effort. I've discovered that adding a splash of apple cider vinegar towards the end highlights the stew’s flavors and brightens the overall taste. It’s become a staple in our household, and I can see why!

        Why You Will Love This Stew
        Rich and creamy texture from sweet potatoes
Loaded with nutritious veggies for a balanced meal
Effortless cooking with minimal cleanup

      

The Power of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the star of this stew, offering not only a delightful creamy texture but also a nutritional powerhouse. They are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting eye health and immune function. When selecting sweet potatoes, look for firm ones with smooth skin, as they indicate freshness. The different varieties—orange, white, or purple—can also be used interchangeably in this recipe for a unique twist.

As the sweet potatoes cook down in the crockpot, they break down and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, contributing natural sweetness and thickness to the stew. Keep an eye on their cooking time; overcooking them can lead to mushiness. For an added layer of flavor, consider roasting the sweet potatoes beforehand—this caramelization will enhance the overall depth of the dish.

Flavorful Additions and Substitutions

This stew is incredibly versatile, welcoming a range of vegetables beyond those listed. Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale for extra nutrition and color. If you want to incorporate a protein element, cooked lentils or chickpeas work beautifully without overwhelming the original texture. Just remember, if you're adding denser veggies, adjust the cooking time to ensure everything becomes tender together.

For a spicier kick, you might consider adding a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker stew, you can blend a portion of it and return it to the pot, creating a hearty and creamy consistency without any dairy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delightful stew:

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Make sure all ingredients are ready to go before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew:

Prepare the ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots and celery. Having everything prepped beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.

Combine in the crockpot

Place the diced sweet potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery into the crockpot. Add in the canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook the stew

Set your crockpot on low and let it cook for about 4-6 hours, or until the sweet potatoes and vegetables are tender. If you’re short on time, you can also cook it on high for 2-3 hours.

Finish with greens

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped spinach and apple cider vinegar. This will not only add color but will also enhance the flavor.

Serve and enjoy

Once the stew is cooked and the vegetables are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Don't forget to let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving; the flavors will continue to develop!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Healthy Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew is an excellent candidate for meal prep! You can chop your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days before cooking. Just be sure to add a sprinkle of lemon juice to your cut sweet potatoes to prevent browning.

If you want to prepare the stew ahead of time, you can also cook it fully and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. The stew keeps well for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is fantastic on its own, but if you'd like to add a bit more heartiness, serve it with whole grain bread or over cooked quinoa or brown rice. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving can brighten up the flavors and adds visual appeal.

For those who enjoy a bit of tang, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini on top can complement the richness of the sweet potatoes. A side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, balancing the warmth of the stew with a refreshing crunch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this stew vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, as it uses vegetable broth and no meat.

→ How can I make this stew spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers for storing.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.